Page 120 of Fluke
Ashley: Things happen in this family every hour. It’s best if we’re all on the same page.
Brooke: Like the Sparkles dating app thing? OMG Jess wins that round.
I don’t know what I’m doing in this chat or how I got here, but I love it.
Me: Just tell me the rooster is gone.
Ashley: Yes. Maddox made sure of it. I think he was actually afraid of what Jess might do if Banks left it there.
Me: Yeah, me too. LOL
Brooke: Moss and I are going to make some pizzas in my new pizza oven tomorrow night. I’m sure Jess will tell you, but if he’s anything like his brother, he’ll tell you at the last minute.
Ashley: His other brother does that too.
Brooke: I hope you’re not busy and can come! You don’t have to bring anything at all. It’s very low-key. We aren’t fancy people.
Ashley: Oh! If you hear anything about Damaris getting a new couch—NO, YOU DIDN’T.
I laugh, my heart expanding wider than it’s ever been stretched.
How are these people just inviting me over? Assuming I’m going to know about a couch?
Things happen in this family every hour. It’s best if we’re all on the same page.
I press a hand to my nose to try to prevent myself from crying. It’s a trick I learned in elementary school when Dad got mad at me for being “too emotional.”
Brooke: Recap—the couch has been an issue since before I came into this family. Damaris has threatened to get a new one and Kixx keeps saying no. But the boys all bought one for her, and Moss and Foxx are picking it up one day this weekend. It’s a surprise.
Me: I won’t say a word.
Ashley: Final tip of the day—LOCK. YOUR. DOORS. I know I’m all shouty caps today, but I’ve had a lot of caffeine because Jess has been gone so Banks is back at our house. I’m all shouty capping things BECAUSE BANKS IS AT OUR HOUSE.
Brooke: I can’t. Every time I think of Banks, I think of that profile.
Ashley: Banks phone went off until Maddox finally made him leave around ten last night. Constant texts. He has one lady that was seventy-eight sexting him things that I didn’t know were possible.
I burst out laughing.
Me: I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to seeing him or not. How long will he be upset about this.
Brooke: Forever.
Ashley: FOREVER.
Brooke: Jess won that round. But this isn’t over.
Ashley: It’s never over.
Me: I really appreciate the tips. And thanks for reaching out. It really does mean the world to me.
Brooke: Welcome to the family.
Me: You know we aren’t getting married, right?
Ashley: You’re adorable.
Brooke: Good luck.
